1. The Hurricane Raven
“No One Stands Alone”
Commander’s Comments
TF Raven’s priority is to provide a safe
environment for both its soldiers and the
communities to which it deploys. Prior to this
deployment, most of the volunteers had been called
upon to serve the country in Operation Iraqi
Freedom and /or Operation Enduring Freedom with
thousands of other soldiers, but this is the largest
domestic deployment for the Washington Army
National Guard outside the state with approximately
580 volunteers. Once in Louisiana, TF Raven is
prepared to perform any mission that actively assists
local communities in recovery, security,
engineering, debris removal, medical support, and
evacuee return. TF Raven appreciates the support of
the volunteers’ families, friends, and employers; we
realize that when a soldier deploys, everyone is
affected.
I look forward to your success.
LTC Walker
CSM’s Corner
I would like to thank
all the soldiers of the
Washington National Guard
and the families that continue
to support the missions of the
National Guard. We have
collected soldiers from all
major units of the Washington
National Guard to comprise
Task Force Raven. Task Force
Raven is set to go to Louisiana and assist with
Katrina Disaster Relief. The majority of these
soldiers have already served in Operation Iraqi
Freedom and show the true dedication of great
Americans. We have shown that we can come
together under short notice and mesh to accomplish
the task needed to be deployed to assist our fellow
Americans who have suffered great loss in the State
of Louisiana. I’m very honored to serve with these
soldiers who continually prove the true dedication
that
resides in the spirit de corps of the Washington
Guard soldiers. I see them still motivated and
flexible even after several long intense days that
constantly change on a moment’s notice. I’m very
proud of how the soldiers react and accomplish all
missions. Soldiers should know that they will be
another part of history in the Washington National
Guard. This is one of the largest deployments to
assist another state with a disaster. I have no doubt
that there will be many experiences to be
remembered in this historic deployment. Be safe
and watch out for each other and the safety of the
citizens of Louisiana.
CSM Morgan
2LT Payne teaches marksmanship to TF Raven soldiers
Preparation
Task Force Raven is preparing for any and
all situations possible in Louisiana—as well as any
possible outcome. Part of that preparation includes
weapons qualification and a half day of MACDIS
training.
In MACDIS training, each company rotates
through two hours of riot control training and two
hours of hand-to-hand combat. During riot control
training, soldiers learn to move in tight squads,
working as a team to disperse crowds. Appearance
is the key here, using loud vocalizations and images
of strength to keep civilians from trying to break the
line. Using the minimum force necessary is the
priority in crowd control. Verbal commands are the
first step in controlling a potentially violent
situation, and every effort is made to gain control
without resorting to physical force.

2. The Hurricane Raven
“No One Stands Alone”
TF Raven soldiers practice MACDIS techniques
Next is hand-to-hand combat. Techniques
are taught to be used for individual self-defense
without weapons. This training provides soldiers
with another option for non-deadly force while
gaining confidence and composure, which becomes
physically apparent to possible attackers. As simple
as it sounds, being confident and squared away can
work as a deterrent for violence.
Soldier from Alpha Company zeroes the M-4
During weapons qualification, soldiers
enhance their weapons skills in firing the M-16,
M-4 or M-9. Although deadly force is only to be
used as a last resort, it is necessary that Task Force
Raven soldiers are prepared for all possible
situations.
While jokes and laughter continue
throughout the day, the seriousness of the training is
always kept close to the surface. Many soldiers in
Task Force Raven have recently returned from Iraq
and know first-hand about the importance of
working together confidently. Throughout the
training, medics stand by on a rotating schedule to
watch for injuries, as they will be doing in
Louisiana.
Staff: SFC Motyka, SPC Deir, SPC Jacobson, and SPC Shepard
CPT Mushallo qualifies along with his soldiers
While most soldiers feel uncomfortable
about the idea of using force against fellow
Americans, it is understood that we must do what is
necessary to keep the peace so that our country can
continue to recover from the disaster of Hurricanes
Katrina and Rita. None of the 580 soldiers in Task
Force Raven were forced to be here; help is needed
at home, and these soldiers are prepared to do what
it takes to restore our way of life in the hurting
communities of New Orleans, Louisiana. When it
comes to Americans helping Americans, “No One
Stands Alone”.
Promotions
PV2 from Echo Company becomes PFC for TF Raven
Major Heaton and MSG Peterson promoted PV2
Gomulinski to PFC on 28 Sep. PFC Gomulinski
enlisted in the Army in March of 2004.
Congratulations PFC Gomulinski…Sappers first!
TF Raven Mail Call
(Name)
81st
BCT—TF Raven, (company), (platoon)
HK Southern Relief
Building 23, 1 Navy St
Belle Chasse, LA 70093-0001